”Saivu” is the sami word for a portal to another world. Based on the magic realism of the sami people and their understanding of nature, the construction of their ”lavvo”, and an interpretation of old sami signs, the team made a proposal for three gateways to the Sjunkhatten National Park. As the park has a focus on children, the jury found the mythical approach appropriate for enriching children’s experience of nature.

It is a dramatic and beautiful landscape close to Bodø in northern Norway between fjords and snow-covered mountain peaks.

Click above image to view slideshowPhoto of the national park seen from Vatnvatnet (Photo: Tor Egil Kvalnes)

The project consists of three separate entrance areas with information boards, toilets, camp-fire places, seating, playgrounds, parking and toilets. There is also a possibility of shelters for sleeping and other activities connected to the separate sites.

The main element of the project is the construction system of wood and canvas that will give a common expression to the elements in the park while making it possible to meet the challenges of the different sites. The northern parts of Norway have a long history of tent-based nomad settlements. By choosing a modular structure system of wood and canvas we wanted to continue that tradition.

There is also a large horizontal information disk made of gold coated stainless steel. This disk will contain information about the park and can also be used independently of the gateway constructions.

Click above image to view slideshowDiagram of the construction system based on the sami symbol language (Image: Eriksen Skajaa Architects)